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Chevrolet Bolt vs. Tesla Model 3: Battle of the Entry-Level EVs

By Justin Cupler|November 6th, 2018

So, you’re in the market for a long-range electric vehicle that can handle your daily commute and the occasional weekend trip to the mountains or in another city on a budget. For these types of long-distance drives, you need serious range, and there are only two EVs on the market that can handle this without costing an arm and a leg: the Chevy Bolt EV and Tesla Model 3.

So, how does the Chevy Bolt EV stack up to the Tesla Model 3? Keep reading to find out.

Styling

There is no denying the Tesla Model 3 is a great-looking car. It features a sleek look that few EVs can mimic thanks to its trickle-down styling from the Model S. Inside, the Model 3 takes on a clean clutter-free look that as all the main controls are housed within its 15-inch tablet-style screen.

The Chevy Bolt EV may not be as sleek as the Model 3, but it caters to a different crowd. The Chevy Bolt EV carries a more traditional hatchback styling that doesn’t scream “I’m special” to the world. Inside, the Bolt EV has a more futuristic look than your typical car, but it keeps some more traditional cues like a gear shifter, climate-control knobs, and a smaller touchscreen. This all caters better to the traditional driver looking to pilot a car instead of a computer.

Tesla Model 3 Advantages

Futuristic styling

Massive touchscreen

No buttons cluttering up the cabin

Chevrolet Bolt EV Advantages

Traditional looks for traditional buyers

Familiar interfaces for HVAC and audio

Flatter learning curve

Utility

OK, no one will ever mistake the Model 3 or Bolt EV as utility vehicles, but we still have to dig into just how well each can haul people and cargo. This is especially true in these longer-range EVs because they are more likely to haul plenty during road trips.

The Model 3 is respectable with its 42.7 inches of legroom, 56.3 inches of shoulder room, and 40.3 inches of headroom up front. In the rear, things tighten with 35.2 inches of legroom, 54 inches of shoulder room, and 37.7 inches of headroom. The Model 3’s cargo area swallows up to 15 cubes of luggage, which is good for its size.

The Bolt EV, however, uses its hatchback design well with 37.9 inches of rear headroom, 36.5 inches of rear legroom, and 16.9 cubes of cargo room with the seats upright. Folding the seats exposes a massive 56.6 cubes of cargo space for larger items. It comes up a little short in the front seats with 41.6 inches of legroom, 54.6 inches of shoulder room, and 39.7 inches of headroom.

Tesla Model 3 Advantages

Front seats better suited for taller adults

Broad shoulders are welcome

Chevy Bolt EV Advantages

More rear headroom and legroom for tall folks

Extra 1.9 cubes of cargo room with seats up

Massive 56.6 cubes of cargo room with seats folded

Powertrain

The powertrain is where the Model 3’s big price tag earns its keep. The Model 3 starts with its basic rear-wheel-drive setup that delivers 271 horsepower and 307 pound-feet of torque. This setup delivers an impressive 5.1-second sprint to 60 mph. Moving up to the all-wheel-drive dual-motor Model 3 drops the sprint time to just 4.5 seconds. Going to the range-topping Performance model improves the sprint time to a supercar-rivaling 3.5 seconds. On top of its insane performance, the Model 3 also travels up to 310 miles on a charge in all three levels.

While the Bolt EV is no Model 3 in terms of straight-line performance, it is no slouch either. Its motor zaps out 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. This is enough to push this hatchback to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Range also lacks a bit at 238 miles, but it is still plenty for the average commuter and then some.

Model 3 Advantages

More power

Available all-wheel drive

Supercar fast in top trim

Bolt EV Advantages

Better on-road manners

Easier to regulate acceleration

Pricing Trim Levels

Pricing is another area where there is a huge gap between the Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt EV, but this time, the pendulum swings back in favor of the Bolt.

Tesla Model 3 Trims and Key Features

Base – $49,000

Heated seats with 12-way adjustable front seats

Four USB ports

Dual-zone climate control

Premium audio system

Tinted glass roof

Power-folding, heated side-view mirrors

LED fog lights

Navigation

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Wi-Fi

Keyless entry

All-Wheel Drive – $55,000

All Base features, plus

Dual-motor all-wheel drive

Performance – $64,000

All All-Wheel Drive features, plus

Increased performance

Chevy Bolt EV Trims and Key Features

LT – $37,495

17-inch painted aluminum wheels

Gloss-black mirror caps

HID headlights

LED daytime running lights

Bright window molding

Leather-wrapped shifter

Rearview camera

Keyless entry and ignition

Automatic climate control

8-inch reconfigurable color cluster

10.2-inch Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system

Six-speaker audio system

SiriusXM

Dual front USB ports

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay

4G LTE Wi-Fi

Premier – $41,780

All LT features, plus

17-inch ultra-bright machined wheels

Mirror-integrated turn signals

Roof rails

Leather seats

Heated front and rear outboard seats

Silver center-stack trim

Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

360-degree camera

Ambient interior lighting

Blind-zone alert

Rear park assist

Rear camera mirror

Rear armrest

False cargo floor

Who Fits the Tesla Model 3

Even we can admit the Tesla Model 3 is a great electric vehicle, and we are glad to see all the advancement in the green segment. But with a starting price of $49,000, it is a pricey green option. Much of its premium pricing is due to its upscale features, advanced powertrain, and luxurious cabin, making it the perfect option for a buyer who prefers a luxury sedan.

Why the Bolt EV is Superior

For the normal buyer looking to make the move from gasoline to electricity, the 2018 Chevy Bolt EV makes a great transition vehicle with its $37,495 starting price. Plus, it is no slouch in the features department, and its powertrain delivers impressive performance while still offering 238 miles of range.